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Your ECMO Knowledge Hub

Explore our latest thinking on ECMO strategy, staffing, transport, and training — written by experts, built for hospitals.

ECMO Blog

Close-up of ECMO circuit and perfusion equipment in active use—supporting high-acuity cardiac and pulmonary support.
ECMO

Optimizing ECMO Programs with IEC: Excellence in Startup, Support, and Training

Building an ECMO program shouldn’t take years—or come with guesswork. At Innovative ECMO Concepts, we deliver turnkey solutions that help hospitals launch, scale, and optimize ECMO services quickly and cost-effectively. With 100,000+ hours of clinical support and the industry’s most robust training ecosystem, we’re not just consultants—we’re your ECMO advantage.

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Perfusionist interface and medication delivery system integrated into bypass circuit—designed for precision and safety.
ECMO

Innovative ECMO Concepts (IEC)Achieved The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval, Reinforcing Excellence in Healthcare Service

Excellence isn’t a slogan—it’s certified. Innovative ECMO Concepts has officially earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval, reinforcing its position as a national leader in ECMO services. With this recognition, IEC becomes one of the only ECMO partners with certified operations, offering hospitals a higher standard of care, compliance, and clinical support—right when it matters most.

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Multidisciplinary clinical team conducting a collaborative review—supporting system-wide ECMO program assessment and workflow alignment.
ECMO

8 Conditions ECMO Supports: From Heart to Lungs and Beyond

Cardiac arrest. ARDS. Trauma. These are moments when lives are on the line—and ECMO stands ready. This article explores eight life-threatening conditions where ECMO acts as a bridge to survival, offering real-time support when the heart, lungs, or both begin to fail. As hospitals seek to elevate outcomes and readiness, understanding ECMO’s full range of applications is no longer optional—it’s essential.

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Clinician tracking neonatal vitals and recording performance metrics—illustrating data-driven ECMO program optimization.
ECMO

A Second Chance: The Power of Expanding ECMO Access Beyond Academic Hospitals

One young woman’s survival wasn’t a miracle—it was the result of training, tenacity, and a makeshift ECMO setup in a hospital that wasn’t supposed to offer it. In this true story, Dr. John Mehall reveals why ECMO must move beyond elite academic centers and become a staple in regional and mid-sized hospitals across the U.S. When seconds count, every hospital should be ready to deliver a second chance.

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Clinical team providing expert, bedside care with warmth and confidence—answering the call when every moment counts.
ECMO

ECMO: Breaking the unprofitability myth

The idea that ECMO isn’t financially viable is outdated—and flat-out wrong. With average reimbursements ranging from hundreds of thousands to over $1 million per case, ECMO ranks among the highest-paying services in the hospital setting. More than that, it saves lives. In this article, we expose the revenue myths and show how hospitals can lead with both impact and profitability by integrating ECMO into their critical care strategy.

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News

The Economics of ECMO: Insights from IEC’s National Webinar with Dr. Ara Balkian

In this nationwide webinar hosted by Innovative ECMO Concepts, Dr. Ara Balkian — Chief Medical Officer at UCLA Health — breaks down the real-world economics of ECMO delivery in hospitals. From staffing models to cost-justification strategies, this expert-led session explores how hospitals can balance critical care readiness with financial sustainability. Watch the full webinar and explore what “Confidence Delivered” really means when budgets and outcomes are on the line.

IEC Featured in Emergency Medicine News for ECMO Innovation

Emergency Medicine News spotlighted IEC’s contribution to ECMO innovation, including its mobile team model and fast-response clinical strategy. As part of their “Technology & Inventions” feature, IEC’s approach was recognized for solving real-world problems in time-critical care, bridging the gap between hospital readiness and frontline response.

IEC Announces Major Expansion Following Strategic Growth Investmen

Innovative ECMO Concepts announced significant growth milestones following a strategic capital investment. The expansion includes enhanced transport capabilities, broader national coverage, and advanced training infrastructure — all designed to scale critical care delivery with speed and stability. This move reinforces IEC’s position as the country’s go-to partner for ECMO support.

IEC Partners with Scitent to Launch First-Ever On-Demand ECLS Training Course

Innovative ECMO Concepts partnered with Scitent to pioneer the industry’s first on-demand ECLS training course — setting a new standard in ECMO education. This early initiative made critical knowledge more accessible to hospitals and clinicians nationwide, combining clinical depth with scalable digital learning. It marked a major leap forward in how ECLS teams are trained.

IEC Tackles Provider Burnout with Innovative Benefits and Employment Models

In a bold move to address ECMO provider burnout, Innovative ECMO Concepts has launched a reimagined benefits package and novel employment structure designed for clinical sustainability. This press feature outlines IEC’s approach to flexible scheduling, mental health support, and compensation models that prioritize longevity and clinician wellbeing — helping hospitals retain high-performing teams when it matters most.

Solving Clinician Burnout: IEC Introduces New Employment Models & Benefits

To combat the growing strain on ECMO providers, Innovative ECMO Concepts unveiled a next-generation employment model built to prioritize clinical sustainability. With flexible scheduling, robust benefits, and a deep commitment to provider wellbeing, IEC is leading the way in reducing burnout while helping hospitals retain elite care teams under pressure.

ECMO Podcasts

ECPR on the Frontlines: IEC Featured on the KevinMD Podcast

In this episode of the KevinMD podcast, leaders from Innovative ECMO Concepts discuss the future of extracorporeal CPR (ECPR) — and how it’s transforming survival in cardiac arrest cases. The conversation dives into how ECMO is deployed in the field, what hospitals must prepare for, and why mobile, clinician-led teams are the future of resuscitation care.

Mastering ECMO Billing: IEC’s John Mehall Featured on Mastering Medical Device Podcast

In Episode 88 of the Mastering Medical Device podcast, Dr. John Mehall of Innovative ECMO Concepts breaks down the often-overlooked complexities of ECMO billing. From DRG codes to hospital finance justification, this episode sheds light on how administrative clarity can empower clinical innovation — and why ECMO programs must get billing right to scale sustainably.

Delivering Confidence: IEC’s Mission in Motion [Video Feature]

This video feature offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Innovative ECMO Concepts delivers confidence, stability, and clinical expertise across the country. From on-the-ground transport teams to program strategy leaders, IEC shares its commitment to redefining ECMO support with speed, skill, and heart. Watch the team in action and discover what sets IEC apart.

Unmasking the Truth About ECMO: IEC Featured on KevinMD Podcast

In this revealing episode of the KevinMD Podcast, leaders from Innovative ECMO Concepts unpack the truths, myths, and realities of ECMO — from clinical complexity to public misconceptions. The discussion covers why ECMO is both life-saving and resource-intensive, and how smart implementation can prevent burnout, save costs, and improve survival.